D'Banj Facts: Your Essential Guide

1. D'Banj's real name is Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo.

As you can see, the stage name D'banj was born from mixing parts of his first and last name. Picture: Getty

2. He's an Afrobeats singer best known for his 2012 hit Oliver Twist.

You'll likely know the name D'Banj from Oliver Twist, his first charting song off his D'Kings compilation album. The single, released on 26th May 2012 and debuted at number 9 in the UK singles charts. The song's about craving women the way Oliver Twist craved more food.

3. You need to hear his new single 'Bother You'.

D'Banj's latest offering is an upbeat afrobeats track called 'Bother You,' the video sees D'banj top-open, chilling on a beach with a beautiful lady and a horse. The single is a favourite on the Capital XTRA playlist and a sure-to-be summer anthem.

4. D'Banj has a remix with Kanye West coming this year.

There have been rumours flying around that D'Banj would be working with Kanye West for a while now, but on a recent visit to the Capital XTRA studios the singer confirmed to Abrantee to expect a D'Banj/Kanye West remix this year.

5. D'Banj was once in the military.

D'banj was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, and his father was a military officer. Because of his profession, D'Banj ended up moving to England. D'banj was expected to follow his father's military career and was enrolled to the Nigerian Military School at age eleven, however after three years at the school his love for music grew greater than his parents' military aspirations and he dropped out.

6. D'Banj's debut album No Long Thing was released in 2005.

The lead single off No Long Thing was called Tongolo and it went on to be a success. The breakthrough led to collaborations with other artists, including on Dare Art-Alade's album track, Escalade Part 2 and Ikechukwu's album.

7. His 2006 sophmore album was called Rundown Funk U Up.

D'banj's sophomore album Rundown Funk U Up which was released in 2006 and saw several singles go on to find success including the club single, Tongolo (Remix) and the lead single, Why Me? Picture: Getty

8. D'Banj was also in a collective group called Mo' Hits Allstars.

As an artist signed to Mo' hits Records, D'Banj also formed a part of its collective group Mo' Hits Records – other artists include Dr SID, Wande Coal, KayWitch and D'prince. The group released an album called Curriculum Vitae in December 2007. The following year saw the release of D'banj's third album, The Entertainer. Picture: Facebook

9. D'Banj was once signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music record label.

On June 9, 2011, D'banj wrote on his Twitter account, @iamdbanj, "Just like yesterday, myself and my brother did Tongolo. 7 years later, Mo'Hits signs with GOOD Music. Best Birthday gift ever. God thank you." After a while, Mo' Hits broke up and D'banj founded DB Records. Picture: Getty

10. D'Banj is involved in a lot of humanitarian work.

D'banj is the founder of Koko Foundation for Youth and Peace Development, an organisation established to help the uneducated youths of Africa on social vices and lots more. He's also Nigeria's first United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace.

11. D'Banj has a number of gongs on his awards shelf.

D'Banjs work have been recognised with tons of music awards wins, including the awards for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2007, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009 and Best International Act: Africa at the 2011 BET Awards. Picture: Facebook

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